King Louis XV of France Autograph

Louis XV was the King of France from 1715 until his death in 1774. He was a member of the House of Bourbon, and was the great-grandson of Louis XIV. He was known as the "Beloved" and "The Last Sun King". He is remembered for his long reign and for being an important figure in the history of France.

Louis XV was born on 15 February 1710 in Versailles, France. He was the son of the Dauphin Louis and the Princess Marie Leszczyńska. At the time of his birth, France was ruled by his great-grandfather, Louis XIV. After the death of Louis XIV in 1715, Louis XV became King of France at the age of five.

As King, Louis XV was a strong proponent of absolutism, believing that the King had absolute power over his subjects. He was a firm believer in the divine right of kings and was determined to maintain the power of the French monarchy. He was also a strong military leader and was responsible for the expansion of French territories in the Americas and in Africa.

During his reign, Louis XV was responsible for numerous cultural advancements in France. He was a patron of the arts and sciences, and was responsible for the construction of many monuments, including the Palace of Versailles, the Louvre, and the École Militaire. He also established the Royal Academy of Sciences and the Académie Française.

In foreign affairs, Louis XV was a strong opponent of the British, and was responsible for the expansion of French power in Europe. His rule was marked by a number of successful military campaigns, including the War of the Austrian Succession, the Seven Years' War, and the War of the Bavarian Succession.

Louis XV died on 10 May 1774 at the Palace of Versailles. He was succeeded by his grandson, Louis XVI. Louis XV is remembered today as an important figure in the history of France, and his reign is seen as a period of great cultural and political progress for the country.